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Emmanuel Sanders

3/6/2015:Emmanuel Sanders is a risky sell, but also a risky hold. Why? Well, he is a risky sell because he still has low-end WR1 upside if things go right for him in DEN in 2015. That said, if Peyton Manning is on the decline, something… Read Spotlight

SMITTY: This is no shock. We expect a nice bounce-back outing out of Peyton Manning and his arsenal of weapons. AJ Green and Jeremy Hill have monster appeal in this one, while Gio Bernard is a flex-like play, but a strong, strong dynasty buy-low, as his value will once again rise. Looking for Week 16 Power Rankings?

SMITTY: He practiced in full on Friday, according to most reports, so he is back in the top 1-5WR range for Week 15. We expect a huge bounce-back effort out of Peyton Manning, Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders (and hopefully Julius Thomas returns to action with some top 5TE production). Also, CJ Anderson is now probable for this game and fully expected to play. He was limited some on Thursday with an ankle injury, but is fully expected to be back to starter carries in Week 15. Looking for Week 15 Power Rankings?

SMITTY: Being active and not playing killed some fantasy owners, although most who waited on him had very little options left right after those morning games. There was risk and always is with game-time calls, especially in those afternoon (or later) contests. Early word is he will be ready for Week 15, and the time off last week should have him near his old self, but clearly you will want to stay tuned for more updates on this one. Many fantasy owners got burned overall by Peyton Manning, Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders in Week 14, but if you made it through the week with all three of their disappointing Week 14 stat lines, you should be rewarded in a major way in Week 15 against a vulnerable Chargers’ passing defense (that just surrendered 300+ and 2TDs to Tom Brady). All those Broncos, including the must-play CJ Anderson, should play well. Anything can happen on Sundays, though, and if you have dilemmas, get on our forums and get some second opinions/takes! Looking for Week 15 Power Rankings?

SMITTY: A couple sources right now are suggesting that the call will come down to hours before kickoff, which means during warm-ups. Jacob Tamme is an emergency option if you roll the dice and wait, as the Denver game is a late game. We will keep you posted. Just like last week, and the week before, Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders get nice little bumps in targets/production if JT sits. Looking for Week 14 Power Rankings?

SMITTY: No so fast. A big reason we were so high on Montee Ball this past off-season was due to this offense and how potent it is. Granted, I also like Montee’s skill set, which the jury is still out on, but the point is that this offense can produce solid RB numbers if the runner is in the line-up consistently and healthy… While CJ Anderson was third on the depth chart weeks back, he is a dynamic runner and a perfect fit in these offense. Anyone can be sold-off at the right price in fantasy football, but don’t think for a second that this kid can’t produce what would equate to at least second-round value moving forward. He could produce even higher than that, or lower, but that’s (second-round) a safe range to pin his value around, and any offer would need to be clear above that 2nd-round value to warrant consideration. Anything can happen in fantasy football, especially down the stretch, but start Anderson every week until further notice, and don’t sell at fair market value thinking the ride will end soon. Ride-out the waive, my friends (unless the deal is ridiculous)! Get ready for bounce-back efforts out of Peyton Manning, Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders (and hopefully Julius Thomas plays) in Week 14 at home against the Bills.

SMITTY: This feels like a 50/50 thing, and that could spell ‘game-time decision’, so keep checking back. If he is on the field, especially at practice tomorrow, he is a top 2-4 fantasy tight end. Last week, our top buy-high (yes, you heard that right) was Demaryius Thomas, as we expected a monster outing given that Julius Thomas was out. Well, he dropped 10/87/3TDs while picking up some of JT’s targets. Expect that to continue in Week 13 if Demaryius sits. Even if JT returns to action this week, we still love Demaryius as a top 2-5 fantasy WR all the way to Week 17. Peyton Manning, Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas will likely carry fantasy teams down the stretch here in Weeks 13-17. Looking for Week 13 Power Rankings?

SMITTY:Emmanuel Sanders will head into Week 12 as very questionable, as he will have to pass concussion protocols in order to hit the field in Week 12. Julius Thomas suffered an ankle sprain early in Week 11, and did not return. It’s concerning that he was so quickly ruled out from returning in the game, but early reports suggest he avoided a high-ankle sprain. Still, we need to hear more before we can start hoping for his return. Montee Ball obviously wasn’t over his groin injury, injuring himself early in Week 11. With Ronnie Hillman very questionable for both Week 12 and 13, CJ Anderson could be locked into a fantasy RB2-type value for the next couple weeks, but stay tuned for more on all these Broncos players. Be sure to sign up for Smart Alerts if you haven’t already signed up!

SMITTY:Peyton Manning exploded as expected in Week 8 on Thursday night, throwing for 286 yards, 3TDs and 0INTs; All 3TDs were to Emmanuel Sanders, who pulled in 120 yards on 9 receptions. Demaryius Thomas pulled in 8 passes for 105 yards, while Ronnie Hillman ran for 109 yards and pulled in 3 passes for 29 yards (which will very likely now have Montee Ball walking into a RBBC upon his return to the field). Julius Thomas pulled in just 2-of-6 targets for 26 yards. Philip Rivers threw for 252, 3TDs and 2INTS, with 9 receptions for 73 yards and one of those scores going to Keenan Allen. Antonio Gates pulled in 5 balls for 54 yards and 2TDs, while Branden Oliver ran just 13 times for 36 yards (and pulled in 7 passes for 27 yards). So, what’s the major takeaway from this game? Buy-low on both Julius Thomas and Branden Oliver… Thomas has been in a major slump as of late, but the bottom line is that he has 9TDs through Week 8. Buy-low! And, as for Oliver, the dude pulled in 7 receptions and the Chargers were getting killed… he is clearly getting work, so he is a great player to try and acquire from an owner in a panic. Buy-low, though, so that there is little risk! Looking for Week 8 Power Rankings?

Look for Peyton Manning, Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders and Julius Thomas to have big games in this one, but that is a given. All those Broncos seem unstoppable right now. While it’s likely that the Broncos get out to an early lead and never let go of it, it wouldn’t be extremely surprising to see the Chargers put up a good fight. All it takes is one early turnover for the game to go in any direction… Ronnie Hillman will have yet another chance to impress, but his usage will depend on game flow. Keenan Allen needs to step-up in this one, as those that own the guy in fantasy may have already benched him heading into this Week 8. I still firmly believe in his skill set, there is no denying his routes and abilities, but he isn’t getting the targets he should be, and he has been banged up a bit… Rivers has to focus on him early and often in this one. Branden Oliver should be efficient as long as Denver doesn’t get off to too quick a lead, but Oliver is still relevant if San Diego is passing late in the contest. Antonio Gates is obviously a TE1 play moving forward, and in larger leagues, both Eddie Royal and Malcom Floyd are fine WR3/4s this week. Looking for Week 8 Power Rankings?